* This past summer a new type of gaming business swept into our communities and took many by surprise. These businesses are known as sweepstakes cafes. Many consider this a type of gambling that has found its way into our communities which the state has not yet ruled illegal. Brook Park has become one of the first cities to pass legislation regulating this type of gaming. It was not only important to pass legislation to keep our community safe but also to create a revenue source to the community. If legislation was not passed it would have opened the door to allow anyone to open these establishments anywhere at anytime in our city along with absolutely no revenue coming into the city. City Council was advised by the police department when considering this legislation so the safety of our community was not compromised. The legislation that Brook Park passed has become the model for many surrounding communities.

  

* City Council has also passed legislation and regulations for anyone looking to go green with wind turbines. Though we encourage ways to create clean energy we also want to be sure it is not a nuisance or eye sore to the residents of our community. The city is also looking into other ways to promote clean energy which will set a standard moving forward.

  

* Though revenues have dropped City Council and the Mayor have moved forward with a roads program that will address a number of street repairs throughout the community. We do understand that there are many roads that need attention and we are trying to address them according to a rating system that rates the worse to best streets in the community. Addressing infrastructure needs is always a difficult task because of the large number of them that are created primarily due to age and weather change. City Council and the Mayor are always committed to addressing this need.

  

* I would like to commend the Beautification and Pride Committee for the outstanding work they have done to promote pride and upkeep of properties throughout the city. The members of the committee volunteer their time to meet every month to discuss ways to promote the upkeep of properties. If any resident is interested in becoming a member please feel free to attend one of the committees monthly meetings. The committee meets the second Wednesday of every month at the Brook Park Recreation Center in room #4 in the basement. The committee is always looking for new membership.

 

A Town With Pride

 

 As a resident of 38 years myself, I understand just as you do the importance of addressing the needs of our community. Being a resident of Brook Park is special. Unless you are, it is hard to explain the type of people we are. We are hard working, dedicated and proud people who have a lot of pride. We know how to sacrifice and what it means. There are many people that do not live here that visit our community daily to work, dine, or shop. They may not understand what we are truly about, but hopefully they take away the sacrifice we all make each and everyday to make their visit a fruitful and enjoyable one.